Anorexia Nervosa: Understanding the experiences of suicidal thoughts and behaviours.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Anorexia Nervosa: Understanding the experiences of suicidal thoughts and behaviours.
IRAS ID
347258
Contact name
Cintia Faija
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Liverpool
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 8 months, 30 days
Research summary
The World Health Organisation (2021) reported approximately 700,000 deaths due to suicide each year, with eating disorders being the fourth leading cause of death. Research into suicide in anorexia (AN) remains in it’s infancy. Recent studies have identified unique characteristics to each ED subtype, emphasising the need to understand AN specifically, and the high prevalence of suicidal thoughts and behaviour in this population. Previous research have largely focused on quantitative data looking at prevalence rates and predictor factors. Throughout limited qualitative research, psychological pain and emotion remain reoccurring themes across the literature for suicide and AN combined (Joiner et al., 2022). To date, no empirical studies have attempted to conceptualise the aetiology and theorise the link between anorexia, emotions and suicide.
The current study aims to provide an understanding of suicidality in Anorexia Nervosa (AN). This research will explore the psychological processes linked to suicidality in AN. It will focus on individuals experiences and their emotions in understanding the development and maintenance of suicidality in individuals with anorexia.
Participants will be recruited by advert using Qualtrics via the universities, online forums, social media and NHS services. Participants will be screened for the inclusion receiving a participant information sheet and consent form. The inclusion criteria includes individuals aged 18 years or over, living in the UK, primary diagnosis of Anorexia, a history of suicidal thoughts, plans, intent or attempted suicide in the past (excluding the last 6 months) and able to discuss emotions and suicidal experiences.
Participation is voluntary, and participants are able withdraw up to 7 days post their interview. Participants will be asked to fill out short questionnaires on Qualtrics, provide their consent and mandatory details. Once all information is provided, the researcher will contact participants to arrange a time and date to complete a 1 hour interview. All interviews will be recorded using MS Teams and transcribed verbatim.
A grounded theory approach will be used to develop a theoretical understanding and develop a cohesive theory of suicidality in Anorexia, particularly looking at the role of emotions in individuals with Anorexia experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviours. All participants will receive an Amazon gift voucher for their participation.
REC name
London - City & East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/LO/0119
Date of REC Opinion
21 Mar 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion